10 Facts About Python Programming Language, All Programmers Should Know

The name itself sounds interesting. Right? Well, there are many interesting things that you need to know about the Python programming language. Some of them can be helpful while other facts are of less importance. Anyway, here are 10 interesting facts about Python programming.

Interesting Facts About Python Programming

1. Why it is known as 'Python'

This is the first interesting fact about this language. Why the name 'Python' and not any other name? Did the creator of this language have some bond with the python snake?

According to the creator Guido Van Rossum, the name of this language was derived from the British comedy series "Monty Python's Flying Circus". The comedy was aired on BBC during the 1970s and it gave the creator some form of entertainment during the language development. Also, Van Rossum wanted a name that was short, and mysterious. Something that will capture everyone's attention.

2. Python has overtaken French in primary schools

This one sounds interesting right. Believe it or not, in 2015, Python overtook French to be the most popular languages that are taught in primary schools. Statistics revealed that 6 out of 10 parents preferred their children to learn Python instead of French. This just shows that many people appreciated the importance of Python programming.

The same applies to children. The same statistics revealed that 75% of primary school-going children preferred to learn how to control a robot instead of learning French.

3. Python does not require a compiler

As a high-level and interpreted language, Python does not need a compiler. This is unlike Java and C++ which have to be compiled first before being interpreted. For Python, it relies on an application known as an interpreter.

The Python byte code is stored in the form of a .pyc file which is then executed by an appropriate virtual machine. This machine acts as a run-time engine of Python.

4. Python has C and Java variants

Despite being an independent programming language, Python has variants for C and Java programming languages. The C variant is known as CPython and is designed to give Python the advantages of C. One of these characteristics is in terms of performance. The variant can act both as an interpreter and at the same time as a compiler.

The Java variant of Python is known as Jython. It brings some key aspects of Java such as productivity and enables them to run on a virtual machine.

5. Python is an open source language

Despite the massive popularity that enjoys, Python is an open source language. This means that it has all the features of an open source language. It does not have a proprietary license that controls who uses it.

As an open source language, members of the Python community are allowed to make their contributions into the Python ecosystem.

6. Python is one of the official languages at Google

Do you know that Python is one of the official programming languages that are used at Google? The language has been part and parcel of Google thanks to its efficiency and portability. It is an easy language to use even when developing big and complex projects.

Google Search and YouTube are just some of the products that are powered by Python. There are several Google APIs and libraries that are based on Python programming.

7. Python is more like English

Many people say that Python is easy to read the language. The main reason for this claim is Python is more like English. You can easily understand what every line of code is doing. Everything is straight forward and direct to the point.

8. Python has a wide range of applications

You can build anything you want using Python. The language can be used for web development, mobile app development, AI, machine learning, Big data and internet of things applications.

9. Python does not support pointers

Unlike other programming languages, Python does not support pointers. Instead, objects are passed by reference.

10. Function unpacking

This is another interesting fact about Python programming. You can easily unpack a list of all the functions that you have used.

There are many interesting stories about the Python programming language.